Indonesia Calls for Stronger UN Conflict Prevention, Greater Role for Regional Organizations
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms and recognize regional organizations as key partners in safeguarding international peace and security.
According to a statement issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir made the remarks during a UN Security Council open debate on the peaceful settlement of disputes held on Thursday at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Addressing the Council, Nasir observed that the UNSC too often acts only after tensions have escalated into conflicts, resulting in its available mechanisms being used primarily for crisis response rather than prevention. He stressed the need to prioritize early preventive diplomacy to avert conflicts before they emerge.
The deputy foreign minister emphasized that dialogue, mediation, peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery should be viewed as interconnected and continuous processes essential for sustaining long-term peace. He also underscored the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of women and young people as active partners in peacebuilding efforts.
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, Indonesia described regional organizations as the first line of defense against conflicts. Drawing on the experience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Nasir said regional mechanisms can foster trust, encourage dialogue and reduce tensions before they develop into open confrontations.
Referring to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, he noted that practical cooperation in maritime affairs, connectivity and economic development has demonstrated how confidence-building measures can help maintain stability despite evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Indonesia also reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through its accession to the 1907 Hague Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes.
“The success of multilateralism is measured not only by the wars we end, but also by those that never occur because we prevent them,” Nasir said.
The debate was organized by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which holds the presidency of the UN Security Council for July 2026. The meeting followed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025), which emphasizes peaceful dispute settlement and conflict prevention.
The session was chaired by Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who served as a briefer, along with representatives from more than 80 UN member states.
During his visit to the United Nations, Nasir also delivered Indonesia’s national statement at the July 22 Security Council open debate on natural-resource governance, reaffirming the country’s commitment to effective multilateralism, the UN Charter, international law and the promotion of early, peaceful conflict prevention.
